Ecclesiastical enclosure in Kilriffet

Situated on the SE slope of a rising ground in an upland area. A cropmark of a D-shaped enclosure (approx. dims. 54m N-S x 40m E-W) visible on an aerial photograph (GSIAP, R 23/24/25). Not visible at ground level. A large earthfast stone (TN026-074----) (dims. 1.17m x 1.12m x 0.33m) possibly that of natural rock outcrop lies 100m E of the centre of this enclosure. The stone has a long rectangular slot cut into its surface (L 0.84m x 0.13m x 0.12m) which contains 8 water-rolled oval or spherical-shaped stones that have been jammed into the slot. A shallow depression (0.22m x 0.06m) beside the slot indicates a bullaun and there are several small water rolled stones scattered around the earthfast rock and other loose scattered angular-shaped stones some of which may be field clearance debris. According to local information this was a mass-rock. The townland name along with the possible holy stone may indicate the site of an ecclesiastical enclosure. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 13 April 2012